Warsaw, Poland – October 30, 2024 – A recent study published by Tygodnik Powszechny reveals alarming statistics about e-cigarette use among teenagers in Poland. Nearly 80% of surveyed teenagers aged 16 to 17 reported using e-cigarettes, with the majority citing taste as the primary motivation for their choice. One-third of the respondents claimed to use nicotine-containing products, with many having started before the age of 15.
The survey highlights a trend among Polish youth toward experimentation and curiosity, with 66% of e-cigarette users enjoying trying different flavors, and 50% expressing interest in new products. Additionally, one in eight teenagers noted that using e-cigarettes allows them to stay in sync with current fashion trends among their peers.
According to child psychiatrist Dr. Aleksandra Lewandowska, while nicotine-containing products have long been prohibited for minors under 18, enforcing these regulations has proven difficult. Poland is now considering a ban on nicotine-free e-cigarettes for teenagers, as concerns grow about their impact on young people’s health and potential to lead to nicotine addiction.
The Polish medical community has intensified calls for a comprehensive ban on disposable e-cigarettes, including those advertised as “nicotine-free,” citing their addictive potential and appeal to young people. Medical professionals are urging the government to take decisive action to curb the rising trend of e-cigarette use among youth and address the influence of these products on teenagers’ health and social behavior.
